Case
The Parent who makes verbal threats

A student is slightly injured during a game in class. His parents have been at odds previously with school personnel for a variety of reasons. The father arrives at school for a scheduled appointment you have arranged. He proceeds to make several verbal threats
and accusations towards you.
Parent : I'm not here for niceties.
You: I have been informed of your son's injury.
Parent : He isn't the only one who's going to be hurt. I'll sue you and make sure you don't have a job.
You???

Posted on: 03/02/13 | Views: 1463
Solution #1
Top Solution
I would inform the parent that I will be glad to speak with him along with the administration and ask him to follow you to the office. Someone that is this angry should not have been allowed to see the teacher alone anyway because it is not safe for either party in addition to the fact that I do not have any witnesses about what is said or done.

I agree with this solution. As soon as a threat is made it is time to involve a higher up.

I agree. Threats are not okay. I would definitely contact administration right away in this case.

A teacher shouldn't have to deal with this matter alone.

I agree, especially if the parent has a history with having issues with the school.

I agree Administration needs to be there especially since parents have previous issues with the school.

29 0
Solution #2
Document what was stated in a conference report, and suggest to the parent that a meeting be set-up with the principle to discuss his concerns and work towards a solution. When a threat is made, it's time to involve a mutual, outside party.

I agree with this solution. Documentation should of been done about the whole incident. I would get the administration involved as well as sent the student to the nurse's office immediately.

I agree, everything should be documented and reported immediately.

10 0
Solution #3
The idea of having the administration involved as soon as possible is probably the best one. Don't let the parent bully you. Because this sort of situation can get ugly fast. I would suggest calling a halt to the discussion immediately. Let the father know that you understand that he feels strongly, but that it would be helpful to have another person join the discussion.
3 0
Solution #4
The main thing would be to remain cool, calm, and collected. You don't want to do or say anything offensive to the parent. Calmly explain what has happened. Talk with supervisors about the problem and what was said with the parent. You would only need to take drastic measures if the verbal threats turn to threats to physically harm you or someone at the school. You would need to talk to the supervisors again as well as school secrety.

I wouldn't wait for drastic measures, I would be preventive in this case and not be alone with the parents who are already upset with school about previous matters.

2 0
Solution #5
In this situation, I would never allow for anyone to speak to me in a disrespectful manner whatsoever. The student was injured and called in for a meeting with the teacher. I would've had a second teacher or an administrator there so that nothing further escalates.
0 0
Solution #6
I would not argue with the parent because they are obviously irate. It is important that you so not say anything inappropriate because you want to protect your job and yourself. I would seek the help and support of administration and explain the situation. It is important that you are prepared to explain the activity, objectives, and why you were doing this activity in the classroom. Also have students available as witnesses in case evidence is needed.

I wouldn't involve any other students if it isn't necessary.

3 7
Solution #7
"Thank you for coming in and discussing this matter with me. However, until you calm down, we will be unable to discuss this matter. If that suits you, then you may leave at your own convenience. If you would prefer to talk, lets move to another location, where we can sits back and talk. If you would like, we can meet with the principal together, and discuss this as a group. We can even reschedule this if you prefer. Whatever works for you will work for me. Thank you again for your concern with your child.

I would not agree with this solution. Once a threat is made about physical harm or law suits then I would have to end the conversation and refer the parent to my administration about the issue.

1 8